How long do shock absorbers last in a washing machine?
The centrifugal force generated when the SMA drum rotates is successfully absorbed by the shock absorption system. When the springs and dampers are in perfect order, the machine, even when spinning at maximum speed, will stand still, only vibrating slightly. If the elements fail, the washing machine begins to “jump” and wobble during operation.
What determines the service life of washing machine shock absorbers? How do you know when it's time to replace the elements? Is it possible to install new springs and dampers yourself? Let's look into the nuances.
How long are shock absorbers designed to last?
In the vast majority of cases, the shock absorbers of automatic washing machines are made of metal and plastic. The design of the dampers is quite simple and not entirely reliable. However, shock-absorbing elements of the SMA last for an average of 10 years. The period directly depends on how carefully the washing machine is used.
How long the shock absorbers of a washing machine will work depends greatly on its operating conditions.
What is meant by operating conditions? It is important how often the washing machine is started, whether the maximum permissible load weight is observed, and at what speed the spin is usually performed. The condition of the shock absorbers is also affected by the floor covering under the machine, whether the device is level or not, room humidity, etc.
If operating conditions are violated, the damper gasket wears out faster and lubricant leaks out of the cylinder. The more carefully the user handles the washing machine, the longer the shock-absorbing elements will last.In most cases, shock absorbers can be restored, but after repair they can perform their functions for no more than a couple of years. Next, you will still need to replace components.
How do you know when it's time to repair your shock absorbers?
If you notice that the machine is excessively noisy during operation, conduct a simple test of the sensitivity of the shock absorbers. You shouldn’t immediately disassemble the washing machine and take out the dampers, in case the problem is different. How to check elements:
turn off the power to the automatic machine;
remove the top cover of the case (by unscrewing the bolts securing it);
press firmly on the tank so that the container drops 3-5 cm;
suddenly release your hands;
estimate how quickly the tank will return to its original position.
Working shock absorbers should work instantly. In this case, the plastic tank will rise and stop. If the dampers are broken, the tank will continue to rock in different directions for some time.
The following “symptoms” indicate the failure of shock absorbers:
creaking and humming when the machine operates;
tight rotation of the drum (due to lack of lubrication in the dampers);
The machine “jumps” around the room during the spin cycle.
The most common causes of failure of the shock-absorbing elements of a washing machine:
natural wear of the struts (after 7-10 years of operation, the gaskets are worn out and lubricant is produced);
deformation due to manufacturing defects, violation of operating conditions, “hard” transportation of AGRs;
damage to the fasteners (first the bolts securing the racks break, and then the dampers themselves).
In some cases, there is no point in replacing only broken racks. If their failure is a consequence of some kind of problem, for example, loosening of the fixation or damage to the bearing assembly, then the problem will repeat.Repair of a washing machine must be comprehensive.
When the reason is the wear of the gasket, you can restore the dampers instead of replacing them. You can cope with this task at home. We'll tell you how to revive shock absorbers.
Disassembling the shock absorber
Before you get to work, you should study the shock absorber design. This will give you an idea of what needs to be done during the repair. The damper of a modern automatic machine consists of:
cylinder;
metal rod;
pairs of bushings;
gasket acting as a piston.
A worn gasket ceases to function as a piston. The rod begins to move freely inside the cylinder, and sometimes falls out completely. As an example, let's look at a situation where the rubber band is partially destroyed.
In this case, you will need to disassemble the damper. In simple terms, you need to pull the rod out of the cylinder. This must be done very carefully so as not to break the plastic element.
First, you can try to remove the rod using your own strength. In 50% of cases this will work, since there is practically no resistance left inside the part. If you cannot reach the metal rod with your hands, wrap the cylinder with a napkin, clamp it in a vice (carefully so that the plastic does not crack) and pull the rod. So he will come out without any problems.
After removing the rod from the cylinder, the damper will be considered disassembled.
Some SMA dampers have additional plastic threaded covers. They prevent the rod from falling out of the cylinder. If such elements are provided for in the design, then you first need to unscrew the plug, and only then remove the metal rod.
Description of shock absorber removal and repair
It is much more economical to restore old dampers than to replace struts.Therefore, we will look in more detail at how to repair shock absorbers. This way you can avoid spending money on purchasing components.
There is no point in delaying the repair of shock-absorbing elements. Imbalance caused by broken dampers can cause more serious problems, such as bearing damage or deformation of the spider. You need to get to work as soon as possible.
Usually, to restore the strut, you need to replace the gasket. You will need to partially disassemble the SMA, remove the damper and install a new rubber seal. Algorithm of actions:
unplug the power cord of the washing machine from the outlet;
remove the top cover of the case;
remove the powder receptacle;
remove the SMA control panel;
reset the UBL contacts, unhook the blocker;
remove the outer clamp securing the drum cuff;
insert the sealing collar into the drum;
unhook the front wall of the machine;
loosen the fasteners securing the dampers;
remove the shock absorbers;
disassemble the rack, assess the condition of its components;
buy or cut a gasket of the required size from a piece of rubber;
install a new rubber band and assemble the stand.
Sometimes it is not possible to repair the damper. Then a complete replacement will be required. Shock absorbers must be replaced as a set; if you leave even one old strut, vibration damping will be uneven. This will reduce the lifespan of the entire system.
Shock-absorbing elements are selected for a specific model of washing machine. You can dismantle the racks, take them with you to the store and ask the seller to select similar dampers. When ordering dampers online, carefully look at the markings of the parts.
On some washing machines, in order to remove the shock absorbers, you need to pull the tank out of the body.In this case, you will need to almost completely disassemble the machine. In addition to the process described above, you will have to unhook the engine and all pipes from the tank, remove the drive belt and other parts that interfere with the removal of the plastic container.
When completely disassembling the washing machine to repair or replace shock absorbers, it is better to immediately check other hard-to-reach elements: bearings, shaft and crosspiece. It would be a good idea to clean the pump and the drain pipe that connects the tank and the pump. At the same time, it is worth removing scale and limescale from the heating element and other internal parts.
After completing all the tasks, assemble the washing machine. All elements are put back in reverse order. Make sure the wires and pipes are connected correctly.
Upon completion of assembly, you need to check the machine. Run a test cycle without any laundry in the drum. If the wash runs as normal, the repair can be considered completed.
The centrifugal force generated when the SMA drum rotates is successfully absorbed by the shock absorption system. When the springs and dampers are in perfect order, the machine, even when spinning at maximum speed, will stand still, only vibrating slightly. If the elements fail, the washing machine begins to “jump” and wobble during operation.
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